Easy budget Christmas dinner menu recipe for £10

This Christmas, I challenged myself to create a three-course Christmas dinner on a £10 budget. Here is how I got on!

Starter: Turkey and Cranberry Bites

Ingredients:

• Turkey mince

• Cranberries

• Stuffing mix

• Basic cupboard items: Salt, pepper, dried herbs, oil.

Method:

1. Combine turkey mince, a handful of chopped cranberries, and a small portion of prepared stuffing mix. Add salt, pepper, and herbs for seasoning.

2. Roll into small bite-sized balls and fry in a little oil until golden and cooked through.

3. Serve warm as an appetiser, optionally with a dollop of gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.

Main: Turkey Meatloaf and Veg

Ingredients:

• Turkey mince (500g)

• Stuffing mix (1 packet)

• 1 egg (optional, for binding)

• 1 carrot (grated)

• 1 onion (finely chopped or substitute with a bit of grated parsnip or carrot if unavailable)

• Basic cupboard items: salt, pepper, herbs (optional), oil or butter for greasing.

Method:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Set the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf tin or baking dish with a little oil or butter.

2. Prepare the Mixture:

   • In a large bowl, combine the turkey mince, stuffing mix, grated carrot, and chopped onion.

   • Add the egg if using, and season with salt, pepper, and any dried herbs you have on hand (e.g., thyme, parsley, or mixed herbs).

   • Mix everything together until well combined. If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash of water or stock.

3. Shape the Meatloaf:

   • Transfer the mixture into the greased loaf tin or shape it into a loaf on a baking tray.

4. Bake:

   • Bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and golden on top. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F) if you have a thermometer.

   • iiinoo

5. Optional Glaze (if you have extra cupboard ingredients):

   • Mix a small amount of ketchup, mustard, or cranberry sauce with a bit of sugar or honey, and brush it over the top of the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of baking.

6. Serve:

   • Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted vegetables, gravy, or mashed potatoes.

This recipe makes a flavourful, moist meatloaf using stuffing mix to add seasoning and texture, keeping it economical and delicious!

Dessert: Cranberry and Spiced Carrot Pudding

Ingredients:

• Cranberries

• Carrots

• Basic cupboard items: Sugar, flour, baking powder, cinnamon (or mixed spice), egg (optional), butter or oil, milk (or water).

Method:

1. Prepare the Carrots and Cranberries:

   • Finely grate 1-2 carrots.

   • In a small pan, cook cranberries with a tablespoon of sugar and a splash of water until softened. Set aside.

2. Make the Batter:

   • In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

   • Stir in the grated carrot, cranberries, 2-3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of melted butter or oil, and an egg if available. Add milk (or water) to create a thick batter consistency.

3. Bake or Steam:

   • Transfer the batter to a greased baking dish or ramekins. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, or steam for about 30 minutes, until the pudding is set.

4. Serve:

   • Serve warm, optionally drizzled with a little cream, custard, or a dusting of powdered sugar if available.

This dessert is warm, spiced, and comforting, perfect for the Christmas season.